September 2022 Schedule is Here 👈

Hello WeSPARK Cancer,

While summer is starting to wind down in September, we continue to expand our in-person options.

We are thrilled to welcome back Ed Sullivan for in-person appointments at our center. Ed will return for individual Qi Gong sessions, so call us to schedule your appointment.

This month's programs include creative, educational, movement and stress-releasing options, including Yoga with Michelle, Strengthen & Stretch, Expressive Writing=Emotional Health Workshop, Art Therapy, Dance from the Heart and a Nutritional Workshop. See our complete schedule below for more details on all our programs.

Remember to call us to schedule your Individual appointments for Reflexology, Reiki, Nurse Navigation, Qi Gong and Oncology Massage & Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. Read more details in the Individual Appointment section below.

Please read the program descriptions carefully as they provide more specific details for in-person options and visit our covid-19 protocols page for more info about in-person programs.

Our Center will be closed on the following days in September:

September 5 - Labor Day
September 23 & 27 - Rosh Hashanah

If you are not a current WeSPARK guest and you or a loved one live with cancer or lost a loved one to cancer, let us help; call us at 818.906.3022 or message us to schedule a brief Welcome Meeting, a required first step to access our FREE programs and workshops.

Featured Programs

Qi Gong Individual Session

with Ed Sullivan, M.A., Qigong Practitioner & Teacher

In-person Format

Join Ed for an individual Qi Gong session. Qi Gong consists of gentle movements and various meditations designed to massage internal organs, balance and strengthen the body's energies, relax the mind and improve circulation.

Qi Gong techniques ignite the body's natural well-being, strengthen your immune system and aid relaxation.

Please call us at 818.906.3022 to schedule your appointment.

Expressive Writing = Emotional Health Workshop

with David Richman

Tuesday, September 6 at 6 PM

Virtual Format

Join David Richman, author, for the next three-month series of powerful creative writing workshops. You'll learn about the power that writing has on emotional health. Participants can begin or continue their writing journey.

Explore your creative side, and express yourself in a judgment-free, connective, empowering, and supportive community.

Please register early to reserve your spot for this virtual-only program.

Yoga with Michelle

with Michelle Rappaport

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

In-person Format

Join Michelle Rappaport for yoga in person for a weekly practice.

This is a gentle class for all levels, for all people in all phases of their cancer journey.

Space is limited so please register in advance to participate. This in-person class requires proof of full vaccination.

Dance from the Heart Class Series

Thursdays in September at 4 PM

Virtual Format

Join us for Dance the Heart class with Azucena Ortiz from Critical Mass Dance Company on Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Dance from the Heart is a trauma-informed healing movement practice that helps participants connect with their bodies, reduce stress and chronic pain. Registration is required to participate in this movement practice.

Please register now to reserve your spot for this virtual series.

Strengthen & Stretch Class

with Julia Morrow, Certified Massage Therapist, Lymphedema Therapist & Exercise Instructor

Thursdays at 6 PM

In-Person Format

Join Julia for Strengthen & Stretch, designed for people dealing with a cancer diagnosis, surgery or treatment.

Rediscover your mobility and improve your muscle strength and balance.

Space is limited so please register in advance to participate. This in-person class requires proof of vaccination and masks.

Nutritional Workshop: Managing Treatment Symptoms with Nutrition

with Megan Sewards

Monday, September 12 at 4 PM

Virtual Format

We are hosting a special nutritional workshop on managing symptoms attributed to chemotherapy or radiation treatments through food decisions.

Join Megan on September 12 to get food recommendations that can lessen the treatment side effects.

Please register now to reserve your spot for this virtual workshop.

Art Therapy Workshop

with Jessica Torres

Tuesday, September 13 at 12:30 PM

In-Person Format

Join Jessica for an afternoon of creativity and connecting with your community.

In September, we will create Oasis Dioramas using various craft materials. Jessica will lead a discussion on positivity and encourage participants to consider what brings happiness and joy to them.

This social activity will help guests focus on the positive things in life.

Please register now to reserve your spot for this fun and in-person workshop.

Self-Care Through Lymphatic Health Workshop

with Solla Pizzuto, CHI NEI Tsang

Monday, September 19 at 11 AM

Virtual Format

Join Solla as she guides you on how to perform a self-massage for lymphatic drainage by using light pressure and gentle movements.

Lymphatic drainage helps improve the immune system and reduce stress. This workshop can be helpful for most people, but it will significantly benefit individuals experiencing lymphedema caused by cancer treatment.

Please register early to reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link.

Jewelry Making Workshop

with Holly Feneht

Monday, September 19 at 4 PM

In-Person Format

Join Holly on September 19 for our Jewelry Making Workshop to create a unique bracelet. Participants do not need prior experience to attend this fun workshop. Every guest will have the opportunity to design and make one piece.

Please register now to reserve your spot for this fun and in-person workshop.

Reiki Circle

with Brian Kukan, Reiki Master

Tuesday, September 20 at 1 to 3 PM

In-Person Format

Join Brian to experience the healing force of the reiki energy. Guest will be attuned to the reiki energy and taught how to use this on their own and with others to manifest greater well-being.

Adding Reiki to your healing regime can improve the results of any medical treatment and reduce the adverse side effects of chemotherapy, medications, and surgery.

Please register now to reserve your spot for this two-hour, in-person and relaxing circle.

Taller de Arteterapia

con Jessica Torres

Miércoles 21 de septiembre a las 12 h.

En persona

Únase a Jessica para una tarde de creatividad y conexión. En septiembre, crearemos Diorams Oasis utilizando varios materiales.

Jessica dirigirá una discusión sobre positividad y alentará a los participantes a considerar qué les brinda felicidad y alegría.

Esta actividad social ayudará a los huéspedes a concentrarse en las cosas positivas de la vida.

Regístrese ahora para reservar su lugar para este taller divertido y en persona.

This class is in Spanish only.

REGÍSTRATE AHORA

Clinical Corner

Compelling Reasons to Get a Second Opinion for Lung Cancer

Getting a lung cancer is a stressful, emotional experience that can come with a litany of questions and worries, like:

What’s my prognosis?
What type of lung cancer do I have?
What stage is it?
What doctor should I see?
What’s my treatment going to be like?
Am I going to have to take time off work or lose my job?

If this is you, or if you’ve recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may think it’s too soon to get a second opinion. Or, maybe you fear you don’t have enough time to get one. There are valid reasons to seek one after you’ve been in treatment a while.

To help you determine whether you should get a second opinion for lung cancer read more from Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Cancer Treatment Centers of America® is a national network of five hospitals that serves adult patients who are fighting cancer. CTCA® offers an integrative approach to care designed to help patients physically and emotionally by enhancing their quality of life while managing side effects both during and after treatment.

You may also reach them at their VIP LINE 800.227.3207 with any questions. Be sure to follow them on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Individual Services

To schedule individual appointments call us at 818.906.3022, email us at registration@wespark.org or message us.

Qi Gong individual sessions consists of gentle movements and various meditations designed to massage internal organs, balance and strengthen the body's energies, relax the mind and improve circulation.

with Ed Sullivan M.A., Certified QI Gong

Wednesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM

In-person Format

Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive, complementary approach to stress reduction and improved health performed by applying pressure and touch techniques to some body areas.

with Chris Linsey

Mondays from 10:30 AM to 3 PM

In-person Format

Reiki is an alternative practice that attempts to harmonize and balance the body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Reiki can help relieve stress, reduce pain, increase energy, stabilize thoughts and feelings, and create inner harmony.

with Brian Kukan, Reiki Master

Wednesdays from 10 AM to 2:15 PM

In-person Format

Oncology Massage & Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is gentle and increases the flow of lymph & stimulates the production of lymphocytes, and enhances immunity. Additionally, it can cause a profound feeling of relaxation and detoxification.

with Julia Morrow, Certified Massage Therapist, Lymphedema Therapist & Exercise Instructor

Thursdays from 4 PM - 5:50 PM

In-person Format

Nurse Navigation - are you struggling to sort through your medical options? Not sure what questions to ask of your doctor? Looking for alternatives or suggestions for symptom management? The WeSPARK Nurse Navigator can help with all this and more.

with Luz Morena Meehan, Oncology RN

In-person Format

Ongoing Programs & Groups

Qi Gong & Meditation for Cancer Support

with Ed Sullivan M.A., Certified QI Gong

Mondays at 3 PM

Virtual Format

Ed Sullivan leads this class that combines exercises and powerful meditations to help restore and maintain health and wellness. This weekly practice helps reduce fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. This practice can be done from a standing or seated position.

Don't miss out, register today to receive the link for this limited guided journey.

Weekly Yoga with Victoria

with Victoria Gluchoski

Tuesdays at 10 AM

Virtual Format

Join Victoria for a morning opportunity to stretch and build a healthy routine. Yoga helps reduce stress and improve quality of life.

Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Young Adult Support

with Jamie Allen

Tuesdays at 1 PM

Virtual Format

Join Jaime for the return of our Young Adult Support Group on Tuesdays.

This group is for cancer patients ages 18-39 who are in treatment or post-treatment. Share and connect with individuals with a similar experience.

Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Caregivers Support

with Jaime Allen

Tuesdays at 6 PM

Virtual Format

Our Caregivers Support Group meets on Tuesdays at 6PM. If you are a caregiver, consider carving a little time to join this supportive community. Share, listen and get thoughtful information.

Guided Imagery

with Cheryl O'Neil

Wednesdays at 12:15 PM

Virtual Format

Join Cheryl on Wednesdays for Guided Imagery at 12:15 PM. September's theme is Transitions & Transformations!

This guided journey and relaxing practice will leave you rested and ready to take on the rest of your day.

Please be sure to register to receive the Zoom link.

Gentle Yoga

with Raminderpreet Elisa

Wednesdays at 1:30 PM

Virtual Format

Join Raminderpreet Elisa for a weekly afternoon of moves and stretches with Breast Cancer patients in mind. Yoga eases the side effects of the disease and its treatments as well improving sleep and fatigue.

Patients, survivors, their loved ones are welcome to this movement class.

Please register to receive the Zoom link.